Much needed attention to vaccination.
World Immunization Week (WHO World Immunization Week) started yesterday. This week we celebrate the success of vaccinations on the one hand and we draw attention to the continued importance of vaccination and a high vaccination rate on the other. Vaccination programs worldwide have been a great success in recent decades. However, we now see – also in the Netherlands – that the vaccination rate is declining, with all the associated risks. The GGDs are working hard to increase the vaccination rate, but more is needed. We will share how the GGDs and GGD GHOR Netherlands are committed to this in the stories on our website this week.
“The success of vaccination campaigns worldwide is unprecedented. No medical intervention has been so successful on such a large scale. I am proud that we can contribute to this together with the GGDs,” says André Rouvoet, chairman of GGD GHOR Netherlands. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls the global vaccination campaigns of the second half of the 20th century one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Vaccines have saved tens of millions of lives and even eradicated diseases, as happened with smallpox in 1980.
Worrying development
Yet the newspapers have recently been full of reports about declining vaccination rates and reports of measles, whooping cough and mumps. GGD GHOR Netherlands is concerned about this. André Rouvoet: “Fortunately, most of us no longer remember what it was like when infectious diseases, such as polio, were rampant and claimed countless victims every year. As a result, and due to incorrect information – for example dis- and misinformation on social media – fewer people are having their children vaccinated. Unfortunately, this gives these nasty diseases another chance. I therefore call on everyone: protect your children against these preventable diseases. And if you have any doubts or questions: contact your GGD, they will be happy to help you!”
Extra effort
The GGDs and many other parties agree on one thing: we must do more to increase the vaccination rate. This requires a joint effort: not only from GGDs, but also from the central government, municipalities and network partners. And doing more requires more investment. Because from extra attention to specific target groups and offering people the opportunity to get a vaccination at more locations and times to a campaign against disinformation about vaccinations: extra time, attention and efforts simply cost more money.
The expertise of the GGDs
The GGDs have extensive expertise in vaccinations and discussions about this. Next week, GGD GHOR Netherlands will pay extra attention to World Immunization Week and we will share stories and good examples from GGDs. We discuss the importance of vaccination, celebrate successes and speak with various professionals. For example, youth doctors talk about the importance of herd immunity and the COVID-19 program manager of GGD GHOR Netherlands explains how vaccines offered us a way out of the corona crisis. And various GGDs explain how they are committed to keeping residents well informed, in the hope of increasing the vaccination rate. From accessible webinars for parents to multilingual information and a district-oriented approach, in which GGD employees go into the neighborhood to inform and vaccinate people. Finally, Anne de Munter, infectious disease control project leader at GGD GHOR Netherlands, talks about the considerations that Reformed Christians make regarding vaccination. Keep an eye on our website or social media for these stories this week.
